TPPF Statement on HB 2 & SB 2 Property Tax Legislation

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Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation released the following statement following the HB 2 and SB 2 Property Tax Legislation press conference:

“We commend Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, Speaker Bonnen, Chairman Bettencourt, and Chairman Burrows for taking this challenge head-on and addressing the most important issue for Texans,” said Kevin Roberts, Ph.D., executive director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “Texans have called for property tax reform for decades. This bill will give taxpayers greater transparency and a stronger voice in the process. We look forward to working with them on these reforms, as well as other proposals that would cut property taxes and provide greater relief.”

“Slowing the growth of skyrocketing local property taxes provides much-needed reform,” said Vance Ginn, Ph.D., senior economist and director of the Center for Economic Prosperity at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “This is a positive step toward providing taxpayers the support they are looking for and we are eager to work with leadership on securing the greatest relief possible.”

“This is a historic proposal. Even more property tax relief is possible by holding down state spending and limiting government growth,” said Kara Belew, senior education policy advisor at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “For example, Texas education can be improved by reallocating existing tax dollars toward programs that will improve student outcomes like merit pay for teachers.”

“It’s well past time to lower the rollback rate from 8 percent and modernize the petition process,” said James Quintero, director of the Center for Local Governance at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “The reforms proposed in Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2 would go far to protect taxpayers from excessive future tax increases.”